Analysis of the effects of Turkish historical TV series on foreign audiences in terms of public diplomacy

The nature of the power that states need to achieve their goals has changed over time due to many factors, and policy making is no longer the sole monopoly of states. All these changing dynamics have increased the importance of public opinion in international politics today. This study aims to investigate whether Turkish historical television series, which are exported to many countries around the world and are appreciated by foreign public opinion, also contribute to Türkiye's soft power. In this context, three historical Turkish series selected for the study were evaluated in terms of their impact on both the elite segments and the public in the countries they were exported to. In addition to a broad discourse analysis conducted on the comments reflected in the media, the comments made by the viewers on digital platforms and the studies conducted by academics on the subject in three different regions selected as the study area (Latin America, the Balkans, the Middle East), a survey study was also conducted. The findings of the studies aimed to determine whether the target publics had the capacity to be influenced by the series in question and to soften prejudices against Turkey, and ultimately whether Turkey could be evaluated in terms of Public Diplomacy. Both positive and critical comments were analyzed and suggestions were made for similar Public Diplomacy practices to bring more successful results in the future.